HSDFF

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival 2023 announces films, honorees, and Honorary Chair

By John Wildman 2 years ago

HSDFF Executive Director, Ken Jacobson, said, “In our 32nd year, we are underlining the high level of film programming that has made the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival such a beacon for the best and most innovative filmmakers working in the documentary form today. In addition, we are incorporating dynamic new programs and events to enrich the audience experience and support the documentary filmmaking community. Our goal is to embrace the rich tableau of nonfiction storytelling and forge deeper connections between filmmakers, the people and place of Hot Springs, Arkansas and the broader world. We are thrilled to be launching these efforts alongside this year’s Honorary Chair, the extraordinary and beloved Arkansan, the multi-talented Mary Steenburgen.”

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival brings on Ken Jacobson as new Executive Director

By John Wildman 3 years ago

Regarding the new position, Jacobson said, “When I first assisted on interviews with legendary leaders of the Civil Rights Movement as an intern on the series “Eyes on the Prize II,” I knew, deep down, that I always wanted to return to the South to connect the paths of documentary film and great Southern storytellers. After serving 15 years in the film festival and documentary non- profit worlds, I feel honored and thrilled to be joining Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute as the new Executive Director.”

Nolan Dean talks RAP SQUAD: HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY Film Fest INTERVIEW; hip-hop and spoken word to heal community

By John Wildman 5 years ago

In the interview, I talk to Dean about his relationship with director Nathan Willis and what his role as producer entailed on RAP SQUAD. We also discuss the insecurity regarding their own insight and perspective that led to a desire by Dean and Willis, who are white, to find a black editor to work on the film. We also talk about ensuring that you don’t manufacture good guys versus bad guys who aren’t really there.

Yi Chen’s FIRST VOTE: HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY Film Fest INTERVIEWS; electoral process from Chinese Americans perspective

By John Wildman 5 years ago

In the interview, I talk to Chen about how she found her subjects and gained their trust and willingness to participate in her film, as well as her approach with her subjects in terms of challenging them on camera when they would make erroneous statements about policy. We also talk about her filmmakers’ focus on getting the shot and the sound, even as an interview subject is propping up an AK-47 on a wall next to herself during an interview like it was a rake or something.

Anabel Rodrigues Rios’ ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENEZUELA: HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY Film Fest INTERVIEWS; villagers of Congo Mirador struggle with pollution

By John Wildman 5 years ago

In the interview, Rios and I talk about the film being an “act of resistance”, as well as how the film also lends some insight into what is happening in this country at this very moment. We also talk about Rios’ relationship with the two main subjects, how that managed within the considerations of her own politics versus theirs, and how she approached filmmaking while hiding her own anger over the political machinations at that time.

Minna Dufton’s BIG VS SMALL at HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY Film Festival INTERVIEWS; giant wave surfer in Portugal, Joana Andrade

By John Wildman 5 years ago

In the interview, Dufton and I talk about the challenges in capturing what she needed for the film and managing that relationship throughout the filing process. We also discuss filming and moviemaking in extreme environments to not just get footage but to get it as safely as possible, as well as the tenuous nature of directing by webcam.

Nathalie Bibeau’s THE WALRUS AND THE WHISTLEBLOWER at HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY Film Fest INTERVIEW; trainer at Canada’s Niagara Falls Marineland takes them on

By John Wildman 5 years ago

In the interview, Bibeau and I talk about Phil Demers, the former trainer of Smooshi, and her working relationship with him as the “star” of her film and how she set the boundaries with him. We also discuss her approach to the project in terms of strategy to follow a developing story without an obvious end, thoughts on open endings in documentaries, Finally, we zero in on a couple moments that she loved.